New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans (33-43 SU, 38-37-1 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (31-45 SU, 32-44-0 ATS)

When: Friday April 01 2022, 10:30 PM (ET)

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NOP +1.5/LAL -1.5 (Opened LAL -1 at WagerWeb – Rebate Sports Betting)

Total: 233.5 (Opened at 234)

Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans 102/Los Angeles Lakers -124

Power Rating: LAL -2

Probable Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas

Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook, SG Malik Monk, SF Stanley Johnson, PF LeBron James Q, C Anthony Davis Q

Key Injuries

New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT)
Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
LeBron James: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Kendrick Nunn: Ankle (OUT)

The Los Angeles Lakers host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:30 PM ET at the Staples Center.

Recent Form

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 33-43, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 37 road contests, sitting at 15-22. Over their last five games, the Pelicans have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 113.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 108.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 114.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up wins, while holding opponents to an average of 107.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 109.8. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, New Orleans took down Portland by a score of 117-107

The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 31-45, placing them 10nd in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 20-18. Over the Lakers’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 116.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 111.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Lakers’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 122.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.6. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent game, the team fell to Utah by a score of 122-109.

Individual Player Analysis

As New Orleans travels to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pelicans’ leading scorer is CJ McCollum. Through 19 games, McCollum is averaging 25 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 42.0% of his games. Against the Lakers, McCollum will need to be on top of his game as Los Angeles is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 42.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, LeBron James leads the Lakers in scoring, averaging 30 points across his 60 games. Throughout the season, James has outscored his season average in 45.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, James will need to do so against a Pelicans defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 44.26%. This figure is good for a rank of 9th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 8 of New Orleans’s 35 games, leading to a winning percentage of 50%. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers have played 56 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 56 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, New Orleans picked up a 116-108 win.

How the Public is Betting the Pelicans vs Lakers

67% are betting the against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 234.0

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Pelicans are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog.
• Pelicans are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 road games.
• Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 0 days rest.
• Lakers are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The outcome of tonight’s matchup between the Lakers and Pelicans will have huge implications in the race of the Western Conference play-in tournament. Having lost 4 straight games, Los Angeles has moved into a tie with the Spurs for the final spot in the field. On the other side, New Orleans will look to pick up the win and create further separation between themselves and the Lakers, as they hold a 2 game lead for the 9th seed. Keep an eye on the injury report, as there is hope that both Lebron James and Anthony Davis will be returning to the lineup. I see Los Angeles picking up the home win and covering the spread. Note! The 100% real cash bonus up to $1000 at Betnow Sportsbook is going away in a few days! Get it quick!